Leading Australian defence integrator Raytheon Australia today welcomed the release of the Government’s new defence export strategy. Managing Director Michael Ward said, “The new policy further demonstrates the Government’s priority to use defence industry as a key driver of innovation and jobs.”

To date, Raytheon Australia’s export focus has been to encourage Australian SME’s into the Raytheon global supply chain. As one of the first companies to sign up to the global supply chain programme, Raytheon Australia has secured over $300 million of export contracts for Australian firms.

Mr Ward said “I commend the Government’s motivation to find new ways to see defence industry through the peaks and troughs of local demand. By encouraging new exports markets the industry will be strengthened and made more competitive.”

“This new policy will provide additional encouragement to Australian industry to develop and expand defence exports. In this regard, I am pleased that the Government recognises that exports of defence services are as critical as the export of manufactured goods.”